Body found after fire at Kentucky home is that of an 11-year-old girl
An 11-year-old girl was the victim of a fire at a home in Pike County early Friday.
Kentucky State Police said they were called just before 4 a.m. about a structure fire at a residence in the Stone area, and the caller said someone might be still inside. A body was found inside just before 5:30 a.m.
Pike County Deputy Coroner Mike Hall said Saturday that an autopsy had confirmed the victim was Ayla Eastwood.
WYMT reported that Ayla’s mother, Meredith Eastwood, was taken to Pikeville Medical Center to be treated for burns and smoke inhalation.
Ayla was a sixth-grader at Mullins School in Pikeville, where she was a member of the competitive cheer team, according to a Facebook post shared by the school.
The school said the “Tiger family” was grieving the loss of a girl they described as an excellent student and loving friend.
“Those who knew Ayla would tell you that for such a little person, her smile is huge, and she always had one for everyone,” the post said.
Hall said foul play is not suspected in the case.
State police said the investigation is continuing.
This story was originally published November 15, 2019 at 8:20 PM.
